The deadline for required immunizations for Muscogee County School District is technically July 31, but schools allow a 90-day grace period to complete vaccinations. Because the school district emphasizes that these requirements help protect everyone from outbreaks of preventable diseases, parents will have to solve for this immediately.
Where and how to get vaccinations
Parents and students can get required vaccines at:
- Their healthcare provider’s office, where the Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) can be issued
- The Columbus Health Department, which offers vaccines for children, including low or no cost options through the Vaccines for Children program
- Local clinics authorized to provide immunizations for school entry
Georgia vaccination requirements
Georgia law is clear. Students from Pre-K through 12th grade must submit a valid Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) or they could face withdrawal from school until compliance is met.
Studnets must be immunized for these:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP or Tdap depending on age/grade)
- Polio (IPV)Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), two doses of each
- Varicella (chickenpox), two doses or proof of immunity
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A (required for children born on or after January 1, 2006)Pneumococcal disease protection (for childcare or younger children)
- Meningococcal vaccine: one dose for children entering 7th grade and a booster dose for those 16 years or older entering 11th grade
Georgia age and grade deadlines
- 11th grade or 16 or older: meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is required as a booster for all students unless their first dose was given on or after their 16th birthday.
- 7th grade and new students in grades 8 through 12: Tdap vaccine and meningococcal conjugate vaccine prior to school entry.
There are only a few exemptions
It’s important to remember, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states: “Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.”
The official deadline for immunization compliance in Muscogee County is November 5 so now is the time to get those vaccinations updated. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or find me on social media.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
